His eyes flicked downwards when he caught sight of the black blood, but went back up to Emil's eyes before the young man bowed his head. He wanted to ask when and how that happened, but finding that out could be left for a much later time. At least he knew now what happened to the notebook his other self had given Alex.

"Emil, listen to me," he said urgently. Leaning forward, he gripped the young man's shoulders, all caution be damned. "You're not going to kill anyone or do any such thing. Do you understand? Crane isn't here to harm you or influence you in any way." Not that he knew this Dr Crane; only what his other self had told him and he certainly didn't like the man.

"This other you was kind and confident, and he certainly had plenty of opportunities to harm me if he so wished, but he didn't. He wanted to meet you and this video was the only way possible. He's trying to find answers just as badly as you are!"